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treedata-visualizationtimeline

Plotting a tree timeline (evolution history)

I am currently writing a literature review, and I'd like to be able to plot the evolution of some of the algorithms by plotting papers I've read, and their connections via citation as a horizontal tree, and have the x-axis correspond to publication date.

Here is an example of what I am looking for. Linux Distribution timeline

Questions

  • What is this type of graph called?
  • Are there existing tools or examples to produce this type of graph?

Ideally, I'd like to achieve this in R, or using D3.js, but I am flexible.

Note: cross-post from Cross Validated

Solution

  • The type of visualisation you are after is called a 'cladogram', used in cladistics, or the classification of organisms based on shared characteristics. Other similar visualisations that apply further categorisations are called 'phylograms' or 'phylogenetic trees.'

    After a quick google I located this R package, ggtree, which seems to do what you want (branching tree and potential for labelled x-axis and even y-axis if you need). It also appears that this package allows for highly customisable plots. Good luck!